Calla Lillies - Knowledgebase Question

Name: Keith Muraoka
Gilroy, CA
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Question by keith89
February 29, 2000
I have a calla lilly plant that I received as a gift 4 years ago. It was in full bloom then, but has not bloomed since. I repotted 3 years ago and it is doing well, but no flowers. Should I let it die off and plant it outside? Is it not a houseplant, but a tuber that should be planted outside and will bloom every summer? Can you help? Thank you!


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Answer from NGA
February 29, 2000
Callas need a rest in order to grow and bloom properly. There is a natural resting period that callas go through during the fall, when the leaves should wither and dry up. At that point, gradually slack off watering, and allow it to rest for 3-4 months. Repot it in fresh, rich potting soil (make sure to place the rhizomes 4-6" deep), and resume feeding and watering. You can keep your calla indoors, but you'll need to stop watering in the fall so the leaves will wither and die. At this point I'd keep it going through the spring and summer, then force it into dormancy in the fall. After it has rested, it should bloom for you.


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